If you read one thing: The first day of the new Texas legislative session saw a House Speaker elected, without any of the ado that occurred in Congress. Here's what you need to know about day one in the Legislature.
House Speaker: Republican Dade Phelan was re-elected to the most powerful position in the Texas House, receiving full support of the Democrats in the chamber and defeating right-wing challenger Rep. Tony Tinderholt.
His priorities: Phelan mentioned support for using a $33 billion budget surplus for property tax relief and to reduce healthcare costs and expand healthcare access, particularly for rural areas. He also questioned the large border spending of "Operation Lone Star," saying the state needs a solution to the border that "is truly, measurably effective."
Read the full story from Edward McKinley here.
University requests: Chancellors from Texas' six public university systems have asked high-ranking legislators for almost $1 billion in additional funding this session to stave off undergraduate tuition increases.
What would the money go towards? According to their letter, the money would provide more funding for employee health insurance as well as a program that provides education benefits to veterans and their families and would allow them to keep tuition flat for the next two years.
Read the full story from Samantha Ketterer here.
First Muslim Texas lawmakers: With their hands on centuries-old Qurans, two new state representatives were officially sworn in Tuesday, making history as the first two Muslim and South Asian lawmakers to serve in the Texas Legislature.
Dr. Suleman Lalani: "It was mixed emotions: It was a lot of happiness, it was a lot of joy, it was a lot of pride. But at the same time, it is a moment of responsibility. Being first of anything is not easy."
Read the full story from Taylor Goldenstein here.
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